Monday, January 16, 2017

Last Man On The Moon

Gene Cernan died today. Almost everyone knows that Neil Armstrong was the first man on the Moon but virtually no one knows that Cernan as Commander of Apollo 17 was the last man on the Moon. Shortly before leaving the Moon for the final time Cernan wrote his daughter's initials on the lunar surface and uttered these words: ".....As I take man's last step from the surface, back home for some time to come – but we believe not too long into the future – I'd like to just say what I believe history will record: that America's challenge of today has forged man's destiny of tomorrow. And, as we leave the Moon at Taurus–Littrow, we leave as we came and, God willing, as we shall return, with peace and hope for all mankind. Godspeed the crew of Apollo 17." Godspeed Gene Cernan. I hope in my lifetime we get to see your daughters initials again.

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A chance purchase of a Super Chexx Hockey game eventually led to the creation of Tranquility Base Arcade. I played video games during the 1970's and early 1980's and was always in awe of the “cutting edge technology” which I tried to duplicate at home by buying an Atari 2600 and then an Atari 800. Even with the home units it was still a special thrill when I had a few quarters to spend and walked into an arcade to play the "real games." They always seemed larger than life. Fast forward through college, marriage, kids, etc. and I had long forgotten the special memories I had of that period. A single quarter drop into my newly acquired Super Chexx game and I was instantly transported back to that era. It was like I had just inserted a quarter into a time machine. Join me on my journey of recreating a small part of my childhood through the construction and continued maintenance of the Tranquility Base Arcade.

About Me

I have a Master's Degree in Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and an engineering career that spans over 25 years. I hold multiple U.S. Patents, was a Nationals winner at powerboat racing and a former Vice Chairman in the APBA yet I have never strayed too far from my childhood love of video games.